Hello
i know there is alot about burning smells coming from cars but cant find anything that relates.
Basically my friend tried to wheel spin my car today, yet it seemed like there was no power going to the wheels it just woudnt move!... after trying it once there it now a strong burning smell coming from under the bonet.
We opened it up and sniffed around it seems to be coming from the engine.
I have topped up the radiator fluid and oil as they where both a little low and left it to cool but the smell is still there!

Any ideas what this could be im guessing its the clutch Please help its my first car

Its a Honda Civic 2001 Reg 1.4I

 

what does this mean?

automatic or stick?

 

He tried to let the wheels spin on the spot, check this video...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=584J_kc9vhI

Sorry its a manual (stick)

 

Sounds like your clutch is burnt up. Clutch and brake lining burning has a distinctive smell; you may have noticed it when following trucks down long hills.

Unless you have a large budget for parts and like to spend time in the garage, it is much better to just watch other people do that stuff to their cars than to try it on your own.

 

Yh lol... i have definantly learnt a lesson...

Do you think the car is ok?... i mean the smell was there when i drove to college morning but driving it back from college in the afternoon it seems to have gone slightly.

Sorry im a complete amateur, burnt clutch doesnt mean its broke right? i heard that it may need a new fly wheel what ever the hell that is if it carries on smelling like that after a couple of weeks

 

Burnt clutch means it's worn down to the point where it needs to be replaced.

Your flywheel will probably need to be resurfaced, not necessarily replaced.

 

If the clutch slipping, you will need a replacement. You may have to leave your windows open for awhile to air it out. When I had a small oil leak, the oil was dripping on the exhaust. It sure smelled bad when I parked long term at the airport. But when I'm home, I leave it in the garage with windows opened and smell was barely noticeable.

 

In normal driving cruising in 3rd gear or higher, should you floor the gas and the engine revs up a lot though the car doesn't go proportionally faster, the clutch is slipping. If it doesn't do that then the clutch is still OK. If your clutch does start to slip you should immediately back off of the gas and/or choose a lower gear, as continuing to drive with it slipping will cause it to fail completely much sooner.